Growing Human Inner Ear Cells to Understand Hearing Loss
Engineering High-Fidelity Human Cochlear Organoids
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11115887
This project is developing advanced lab models of the human inner ear to help find new ways to restore hearing for people with hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11115887 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our scientists are working to create more advanced 3D models of the human inner ear in the lab, focusing on the part responsible for hearing. These models, called organoids, will help us better understand how hearing cells develop and function. We aim to improve these models to include more types of hearing cells and their connections to brain cells, making them more like a real human ear. By doing this, we hope to unlock new possibilities for restoring hearing in people who have lost it.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit those with irreversible hearing loss caused by damage to inner ear hair cells or neurons.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or therapies for irreversible hearing loss by providing a better platform for drug discovery and regenerative medicine.
How similar studies have performed: The lab has successfully developed first-generation inner ear organoids, but this project aims to significantly advance their fidelity to human cochlear and neural structures.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HASHINO, ERI — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: HASHINO, ERI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.